Zenno, a New Zealand-based company specializing in superconducting technologies for space applications, has received a significant investment from Global Brain, a major Japanese venture capital firm managing over USD 2 billion. This investment, made on behalf of ANA HOLDINGS and Mitsubishi Electric, underscores the increasing international confidence in Zenno's innovations.
Zenno's flagship product, the Z01, enables fuel-free satellite positioning with high precision, accommodating satellites from 50 kg to those the size of space stations. As demand for optimized satellite orbital positions rises, Zenno's patented superconducting electromagnet technology presents a scalable and fully electric solution.
CEO and co-founder Max Arshavsky emphasized the company's vision of supporting long-term human presence in space. He stated, "Zenno builds for life in space. Our mission is to create enabling and highly scalable technologies that will allow humanity to prosper in space without dependence on Earth's resources."
Arshavsky also noted the strategic importance of the partnership with Global Brain, particularly the involvement of Mr. Hidetaka Aoki, a prominent figure in the space industry, who will join Zenno's board as an observer. This collaboration aims to enhance Zenno's technology deployment in the Japanese market.
Furthermore, the investment reflects a strengthening partnership between New Zealand and Japan in the space sector. Arshavsky remarked, "This investment round underscores the shared ambitions of New Zealand and Japan in advancing an innovative space ecosystem. Our two countries have much to gain from each other's expertise."
Yasuhiko Yurimoto, CEO of Global Brain, expressed enthusiasm for this development, noting, "This represents Global Brain's first investment in New Zealand, and we are thrilled to support Zenno's innovations. We are dedicated to leveraging our resources to support Zenno's global growth, including their expansion into the Japanese market."